Lindor trade ideas

[DCTribefan]

Interesting speculation that the Mookie Betts success with the Dodgers will lead to a greater trade return for Lindor.

The Indians are already expected to land at least a few Top 10 prospects in return for Lindor, but the price will continue to rise the more the Dodgers win and the more impact Betts has in the World Series. The Dodgers paid in both the trade and then in salary to secure Betts and if he ends up being the difference, then teams will be trying to replicate that move.

Lindor will be the closest player on the trade market to Betts this offseason and with a slim selection of playmakers like Lindor, the Indians should be able to get almost anything they want in return. The more the Dodgers win, the more teams will be looking to make the big leap like they did. While the Dodgers’ farm system is a bit depleted because of the trade to acquire Betts there are plenty of other teams that will be in talks.

The Cleveland Indians trading Francisco Lindor will be a storyline through the entire offseason, but the market will be set when the season ends, for the most part. If the Indians want to get the most out of Lindor, they need to hope Betts has a historical performance in the World Series over the next couple weeks.

Cleveland Indians: Dodgers’ success helps Francisco Lindor trade market

With the Los Angeles Dodgers advancing to the World Series, the Cleveland Indians could see a boost in the trade market for Francisco Lindor. On Sunday nig...

awaybackgone.com

 

[Steve_424]

Interesting speculation that the Mookie Betts success with the Dodgers will lead to a greater trade return for Lindor.

The Indians are already expected to land at least a few Top 10 prospects in return for Lindor, but the price will continue to rise the more the Dodgers win and the more impact Betts has in the World Series. The Dodgers paid in both the trade and then in salary to secure Betts and if he ends up being the difference, then teams will be trying to replicate that move.

Lindor will be the closest player on the trade market to Betts this offseason and with a slim selection of playmakers like Lindor, the Indians should be able to get almost anything they want in return. The more the Dodgers win, the more teams will be looking to make the big leap like they did. While the Dodgers’ farm system is a bit depleted because of the trade to acquire Betts there are plenty of other teams that will be in talks.

The Cleveland Indians trading Francisco Lindor will be a storyline through the entire offseason, but the market will be set when the season ends, for the most part. If the Indians want to get the most out of Lindor, they need to hope Betts has a historical performance in the World Series over the next couple weeks.

Cleveland Indians: Dodgers’ success helps Francisco Lindor trade market

With the Los Angeles Dodgers advancing to the World Series, the Cleveland Indians could see a boost in the trade market for Francisco Lindor. On Sunday nig...

awaybackgone.com

I'm not saying he's wrong, but this is pretty much a college kid with a blog. Most reporters have seemed to be tempering expectations.

I hope the kid is right though!

 

[DCTribefan]

I'm not saying he's wrong, but this is pretty much a college kid with a blog. Most reporters have seemed to be tempering expectations.

I hope the kid is right though!

Agreed but we can hope.

 

[sportscoach]

I have a hunch if Lindors party is open to the extension like Betts got, the Indians will get more in return at the end of the day. Problem is we dont know if he will be open to it or not.

 

[MirORich]

Nothing is a big word..

...it leaves no doubt that your close minded approach to any thought that doesn't conform is not going to be heard..


Pathetically sad..

Continuing to send posts with the comment “pathetically sad” is bordering on, if not squarely, personal attacks and is not something that is done here.

The back and forth stating and re-stating, framing and re-framing of the argument from both perspectives/opinions has been done to death. There is no need to continue to perpetuate it and definitely no need to make personal attacks.

 

[EdMonix11]

From MLBTR.....

The 2020 season ended in more disappointment for the Indians, who reached the playoffs but were once again unable to break a World Series drought that has gone back to their most recent title in 1948. The Indians may again try to contend next season, but it’s entirely possible they’ll do so without superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. Although the charismatic four-time All-Star won’t even turn 27 until next month, he’s only a year from a trip to free agency, and odds are that the low-budget Indians won’t be able to extend him. With Lindor due to earn anywhere from $17.5MM to $21.5MM in arbitration, it could make sense for the Indians to listen to trade offers before next season. If that happens, here’s a group of teams that might inquire…

Yankees

• New York seems to have its long-term answer at shortstop in Gleyber Torres, but he had a so-so season, after which general manager Brian Cashman indicated he’s not a lock to remain at the position. With second baseman DJ LeMahieu set to reach free agency, the Yankees will have to address their middle infield in the coming months. What better way to replace LeMahieu than by acquiring Lindor? He’d grab short and allow the Yankees to move Torres back to the keystone, where he gained a large amount of experience from 2018-19.

Mets

• This should be an aggressive offseason for the Mets, who figure to change owners from the Wilpons to Steve Cohen. If Cohen wants to make an immediate, headline-grabbing impact, there won’t be many better ways than by acquiring Lindor. The Mets aren’t necessarily set at short, where Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario were more OK than great in 2020.

Angels

• Regardless of whether the Angels acquire Lindor, they’re probably going to add a new starting middle infielder this offseason. David Fletcher’s capable of playing shortstop, so they’re not necessarily a shoo-in to pick up someone there. However, with Andrelton Simmons set to hit free agency, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them add a high-profile replacement and keep Fletcher at second. The Angels, having missed the playoffs six years in a row, could decide to go big on Lindor. He’d look good in a lineup with Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.

Braves

• The Braves received solid production from shortstop Dansby Swanson in 2020, but after failing to take home a championship once again, would they consider a sizable splash in their infield? It seems possible, especially considering their uncertainty at third base. In the event of a Lindor acquisition, the Braves could either move Swanson to the hot corner or make Swanson part of the (a) trade.

Phillies

• Shortstop wasn’t an issue in 2020 for the Phillies, who benefited after signing Didi Gregorius to a $14MM contract. The problem for Philly is that it may lose Gregorius in free agency, leaving the position as a question mark heading into the offseason. Lindor would make for a more-than-adequate Gregorius replacement if the latter leaves.

Dodgers

• Flaws are typically hard to find on the Dodgers’ roster, but considering their deep farm system and their penchant for pursuing stars in trades (Mookie Betts and Manny Machado, to name a couple in recent years), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them involved in the Lindor sweepstakes. The Dodgers are fine with moving players all over the diamond, so even though there’s no clear “fit” for Lindor in LA – which boasts Corey Seager, Max Muncy and Gavin Lux among its returning middle infielders – the club could probably make it work.

Blue Jays

• Toronto already has an-up-coming shortstop in Bo Bichette, but perhaps the club would be willing to shift its infield around to accommodate Lindor after a playoff season. Bichette could move to second or third, giving the Jays an infield consisting of him, Lindor, Cavan Biggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. On paper, that may be among the scariest IF units in the game.

Reds

• A Lindor pursuit could be out of the question for the Reds, but they do need immediate aid at shortstop. Picking up Lindor would give the team a better chance to contend in 2020, and it would hand Cincinnati an opportunity to send Jose Garcia back to the minors for further seasoning.

Athletics

• The A’s may not have the financial clout to pull this off, but all bets could be off if it’s just for a year. Either way, the A’s, who are coming off a division-winning season, will have to figure out their middle infield before next season. Starting shortstop Marcus Semien is slated for free agency, leaving the A’s without a solution there for the time being.

Twins

• Considering Cleveland and Minnesota are in the same division, it seems unlikely they’ll match up on a Lindor tradr. Still, if the Twins make a compelling offer, the Indians would have to listen. Adding Lindor would allow the Twins to move current starting shortstop Jorge Polanco into a utility role, though that’s assuming he wouldn’t be involved in a possible deal.

Cubs

• The Cubs already have a shortstop in Javier Baez, but he had a shockingly rough 2020 and does have extensive experience at second base. Maybe president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, who’s seeking to change around the Cubs’ offense, would acquire Lindor and move Baez to the keystone in hopes of giving the club a jolt. Chicago does have a notable young middle infielder in Nico Hoerner, but he hasn’t hit since debuting in 2019.

 

[CDAV45]

A few observations from that article:
1. Lindor fits well with the Dodgers roster in 2021 since Turner becomes a FA after the WS allowing Seager to move to 3B.
2. Lindor will not be dealt to the Twins.
3. The Angels don't really have what it takes to make a push for Lindor IMO.
4. Swanson isn't Lindor, but he's pretty damn good and I don't know if I would give up what it would take to get Lindor if I was them.
5. F the Cubs!
6. Torres is the long term answer at SS for the Yankees? Has this author not been paying attention?
7. I like the Reds, Phillies, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Braves when discussing possible trade partners.

 

[DCTribefan]

From MLBTR.....

What strikes me about all nearly of these would be trade partners is that they lack a direct need at SS and would need to move infielders around the diamond to accommodate Lindor. This factor alone wI’ll limit the Tribe’s options plus salary concerns amid COVID wave #3. Net result, IMO, is a disappointing return in any trade.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

What strikes me about all nearly of these would be trade partners is that they lack a direct need at SS and would need to move infielders around the diamond to accommodate Lindor. This factor alone wI’ll limit the Tribe’s options plus salary concerns amid COVID wave #3. Net result, IMO, is a disappointing return in any trade.

Not to mention that the Indians simply can't afford to pay him $20 million next year, and maybe not even $10 million for half a season. They have to take the best offer and other teams know it. I think they'll be low-balling. All they'd be getting is one year and if next year is anything like this year they'll be getting an average player, nothing like Mookie Betts. The risk would be paying upwards of $20 million for a good but not great shortstop and losing him after one season.

Also, Lindor's failure to produce hitting 3rd last year won't help. With so many other position players having well below average seasons at the plate the Indians really needed Lindor to have a typical Lindor season. He didn't come close. Ramirez did, but Lindor seemed out of it all season. He looked tight as opposed to previous seasons where he was always talking to anybody within earshot and smiling all the time.

I'm afraid fans are getting their hopes way too high and that the combination of Frankie's disappointing 2020 season, the financial impact of the pandemic, the potential inability of teams to sell tickets for next season, and the one year left on the contract will combine to throw cold water on the market. That, and the fact that there does not appear to be that one team with money, blocked prospects, and an immediate need at shortstop.

I could see packaging Lindor and Carrasco for two top prospects and a couple of lower level guys. A team looking to get over the hump would be getting a huge boost and the Indians would shed about $30 million in salary for next year.

 

[Urban]

Not to mention that the Indians simply can't afford to pay him $20 million next year, and maybe not even $10 million for half a season. They have to take the best offer and other teams know it. I think they'll be low-balling. All they'd be getting is one year and if next year is anything like this year they'll be getting an average player, nothing like Mookie Betts. The risk would be paying upwards of $20 million for a good but not great shortstop and losing him after one season.

Are you really throwing out 4-1/2 seasons of great production for a 60 game sample size? That is beyond ridiculous

 

[CDAV45]

What strikes me about all nearly of these would be trade partners is that they lack a direct need at SS and would need to move infielders around the diamond to accommodate Lindor. This factor alone wI’ll limit the Tribe’s options plus salary concerns amid COVID wave #3. Net result, IMO, is a disappointing return in any trade.

A warm body doesn't mean they don't have a "direct need". The Dodgers have an indirect need as Turner is a FA and Seager is better suited for 3B. The Yankees have a direct need because Torres sucks defensively. The Angels have a direct need. The Phillies have a direct need. The Reds have a direct need. The Mets have a direct need. Market's adjust, therefore if Lindor's value is decreased then so are the assets that are needed to acquire him.

Not to mention that the Indians simply can't afford to pay him $20 million next year, and maybe not even $10 million for half a season. They have to take the best offer and other teams know it. I think they'll be low-balling. All they'd be getting is one year and if next year is anything like this year they'll be getting an average player, nothing like Mookie Betts. The risk would be paying upwards of $20 million for a good but not great shortstop and losing him after one season.

Also, Lindor's failure to produce hitting 3rd last year won't help. With so many other position players having well below average seasons at the plate the Indians really needed Lindor to have a typical Lindor season. He didn't come close. Ramirez did, but Lindor seemed out of it all season. He looked tight as opposed to previous seasons where he was always talking to anybody within earshot and smiling all the time.

I'm afraid fans are getting their hopes way too high and that the combination of Frankie's disappointing 2020 season, the financial impact of the pandemic, the potential inability of teams to sell tickets for next season, and the one year left on the contract will combine to throw cold water on the market. That, and the fact that there does not appear to be that one team with money, blocked prospects, and an immediate need at shortstop.

I could see packaging Lindor and Carrasco for two top prospects and a couple of lower level guys. A team looking to get over the hump would be getting a huge boost and the Indians would shed about $30 million in salary for next year.

This season will not effect his value as offense was down league wide. Everyone knows that Lindor is a premium offensive SS and still the best SS in the league. Will the team trading for him have the inside track to an extension? Reducing market competition could be where the real value in trading for him lies.

Nobody's going to be disappointed in the return for Lindor and what's with the Debby Downer take. There is no grounds for it and there are teams in need of a SS.

Packaging Lindor and Carrasco isn't a terrible idea. A team like the Phillies would likely jump all over that. Bohm and Howard would be the headliners, and you could probably throw Hoskins in there too.

 

[Urban]

Nobody's going to be disappointed in the return for Lindor

Nobody is going to be disappointed? I mean, that's certainly not true. Even if the Indians get a package on par with what the Red Sox got for Betts- which I'd be thrilled with- people will be disappointed. Like you said, the Indians are trading the best SS in baseball with 1 year left on his contract is extremely uncertain times around MLB front offices. I imagine lots of teams around the league will be holding their checkbooks and top prospects extra tight this offseason.

 

[Gson]

A warm body ....... there are teams in need of a SS.

Packaging Lindor and Carrasco isn't a terrible idea. A team like the Phillies would likely jump all over that. Bohm and Howard would be the headliners, and you could probably throw Hoskins in there too.

Taking just this point of your comment...

Yes.. there are several teams with a need for a SS.. Philadephia is absolutely one as their SS, DiDi is going to be a free agent.. The NYY's are short on a true SS as Gleyber Torres is just not a ML caliber shortstop.. The Los Angeles Angels have a vacancy in their SS spot as Simba is going to be a FA in a matter of days....

All three of these examples.. would be THRILLED to have an Indians SP attached to the deal.. I'm not certain who that might be.. but.. with the depth of starting pitching and desire to move Frankie.. a deal could be had.. a deal that achieves the rebuild in a big hurry..

Thoughts?..

 

[DCTribefan]

Taking just this point of your comment...

Yes.. there are several teams with a need for a SS.. Philadephia is absolutely one as their SS, DiDi is going to be a free agent.. The NYY's are short on a true SS as Gleyber Torres is just not a ML caliber shortstop.. The Los Angeles Angels have a vacancy in their SS spot as Simba is going to be a FA in a matter of days....

All three of these examples.. would be THRILLED to have an Indians SP attached to the deal.. I'm not certain who that might be.. but.. with the depth of starting pitching and desire to move Frankie.. a deal could be had.. a deal that achieves the rebuild in a big hurry..

Thoughts?..

I think CA will try very hard to deal Lindor to a NL club so the Tribe does not have to face him even just 4-8 games. Have to think the FO gets embarrassed every time Urshela steps on the same field with the Indians.

 

[CDAV45]

Nobody is going to be disappointed? I mean, that's certainly not true. Even if the Indians get a package on par with what the Red Sox got for Betts- which I'd be thrilled with- people will be disappointed. Like you said, the Indians are trading the best SS in baseball with 1 year left on his contract is extremely uncertain times around MLB front offices. I imagine lots of teams around the league will be holding their checkbooks and top prospects extra tight this offseason.

They'll likely get a package better than what Betts brought because there won't be an expensive contract for a subpar player tied to Lindor. I think the appeal of getting rid of Price's contract was better to the Red Sox than the actual return. Although Verdugo was a good get.